Let’s face it—common rental scams in Bangalore have become a growing concern for both tenants and landlords.
With the city’s booming rental market and rapid urban expansion, scammers are always looking for ways to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals.
Whether you’re moving into Bangalore for the first time or a property owner looking to rent out your space, understanding how these scams work can save you a lot of time, money, and stress.
So, let’s dive into some of the most common rental scams in Bangalore and, more importantly, how you can steer clear of them.
Common Rental Scams in Bangalore
Here are 7 common rental scams in Bangalore that you’d probably be best to avoid.
1. The “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Deal
This is probably the most obvious one.
A beautifully furnished 2BHK in Indiranagar for ₹8,000? That’s a red flag.
Scammers often post fake listings with irresistible prices and photos copied from genuine property portals.
🚨 How to Avoid It:
- Cross-check the property on multiple platforms.
- Insist on a physical visit before making any payment.
- If something seems too good to be true—it probably is.
2. Fake Owners or Agents
In this scam, the fraudster pretends to be the owner or an agent and asks for an advance to “block” the property.
They might even provide you with fake ID proofs or property documents.
🚨 How to Avoid It:
- Ask for the owner’s property tax receipt, khata certificate, or electricity bill to verify ownership.
- Use trusted agents or verified platforms.
- Don’t pay anything without a proper rental agreement in place.
3. Duplicate Listings
The same property listed by multiple people at different prices? Be careful.
This often happens when a scammer copies a legitimate listing and changes the contact details to dupe people.
🚨 How to Avoid It:
- Call the contact number on the original listing (if known).
- Cross-verify the photos and details with other portals.
- Visit the property and speak to the actual owner or authorized representative.
4. Advance Without Agreement
One of the most common rental scams in Bangalore is where tenants are asked to pay a security deposit or token advance before any documentation is done.
Once the money is paid, the “owner” becomes untraceable.
🚨 How to Avoid It:
- Always sign a rental agreement before paying any money.
- Payments should be made via bank transfer to ensure there’s a paper trail.
- If possible, go through a property management company to handle the transaction securely.
5. Overcharging on Deposits
Some shady landlords or brokers ask for unusually high-security deposits—sometimes 10-12 months’ rent—even when the norm in Bangalore is now closer to 6-7 months.
🚨 How to Avoid It:
- Know the current market standards (6-7 months is common now).
- Get the deposit clause clearly written in the rental agreement.
- Avoid verbal commitments.
6. Non-Existent Properties
In this scary scam, people are lured into paying a deposit for a property that doesn’t exist at all! The scammer vanishes once the payment is made.
🚨 How to Avoid It:
- Never finalize a deal without physically seeing the property.
- Demand original property documents and owner’s ID before you proceed.
- Involve a professional service to verify everything.
7. Fake Brokers Charging “Registration Fees”
These are self-proclaimed agents who charge a “registration” or “membership” fee to show you properties—but never follow through.
🚨 How to Avoid It:
- Deal only with RERA-registered brokers or trusted agencies.
- Don’t pay any fee until a property is actually shown to you.
- Ask for a proper receipt and service terms.
Final Thoughts
The rental space in Bangalore can be chaotic, and while most people in the business are genuine, it only takes one scam to ruin the experience.
That’s why staying informed about these common rental scams in Bangalore is your first line of defense.
The golden rule?
Never pay before you verify. Always document everything.
And if you’re ever unsure—walk away.
Need Help Renting Safely?
At Proptals, we make sure your rental experience is secure, transparent, and stress-free.
Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, we handle everything from property verification and documentation to tenant screening and rental management—no shady deals, no middlemen nonsense.
📞 Contact Proptals today for professional, end-to-end rental services in Bangalore.
Let’s keep the scammers at bay and do things the right way.